Ontario's Best Hunting Spots for ATVs
Four Sweet Spots For Your Four-Wheeler
If you're looking to go hunting on an ATV, you can't do much better than Ontario. Between Crown land, municipal forest, provincial parks, and wildlife and conservation areas, there is no shortage of land to hunt and explore.
But with more than 5,000,000 acres of Crown land alone open for public hunting, the question is where do you start?
No matter your skill level on ATVs and other off-road vehicles, Ontario has something for you. We'll let you in on some of the best hunting spots, and go over hunting etiquette and other things to keep in mind before you hit the trail.
The Advantages of ATV Hunting
Before we jump right into the hows and wheres, you might be asking yourself: Why hunt with an ATV? Let's take a look.
Expand Your Access
On a quad, you can go much further in a day than you can walk. This means accessing more remote areas that are less likely to be over-crowded by other hunters or adventures.
Even if you prefer the quiet of a good, old-fashion hunt on foot, a quad or a side-by-side will get out further than your truck. Many routes are along old-logging roads and unmaintained roadways that are overgrown and too narrow or rutted out for a truck.
These routes are perfect for an ATV, so you can start your hunt deeper in the wilderness.
Increase Your Carrying Capacity
Without the limitation of what you can carry on your back, you can drastically increase your carrying capacity by using an ATV. Depending on your particular off-road vehicle, your can tow anywhere from 200 to 750 kilos on your rig.
Whether you're building a remote blind to post up at for a few days, or hoping to bag yourself a bull elk, you'll be glad you're not hoofing it all on your back.
Improve Mobility for Those With Disabilities
Maybe you have a disability or injury that makes hunting on foot not possible for you. Or maybe other health conditions are getting in the way of you getting to these beautiful remote locations the way you'd like to.
Having an ATV greatly increases access for people to get out there and enjoy these spaces.
It's Just Plain Fun
If you haven't gotten out on a quad, you're missing out. Flying through the forest on old trails is sometimes the most exhilarating part of the adventure. Especially for those trips when you come home from the hunt empty-handed.
Whether you're planning a trip for you and your buddies or something for the whole family, making quads part of the journey is sure to be a good time.
Read More: ATV Hunting Tips
Hunting Etiquette
If you're an experienced hunter, you already know there's an etiquette to follow while out in the field. Most of this has to do with safety, and hunting on an ATV is no different.
But if you're new to hunting on an ATV, there may be things you haven't taken into consideration yet. Follow these tips and more to ensure you are being a responsible and courteous hunter on your ATV.
Don’t Drive Through Another Hunter's Line of Sight
Just like you would never walk through a hunter's line of sight, you don't want to drive through with your ATV. Stick to the designated trails and slow down when approaching other hunters to avoid any unfortunate accidents.
Don't Shoot Directly From The ATV
Not only is this illegal in most places, but it also doesn't hold up to the "fair chase" ethic that is sportsmanlike hunting. Instead, use your ATV to access hunting locations, and then proceed on foot.
The exception to this is for hunters with disabilities, who in many cases can get permits to shoot directly from their ATVs. For everyone else, a good rule of thumb is to "walk when you stalk."
Don’t Go Off-Trail and Disturb Sensitive Habitat
A good hunter is also a good conservationist. Going off the trail can destroy sensitive habitats like prairie or riparian areas. This is bad for the ecosystem and can jeopardize game populations for future years of hunting.
Not only that but going off-trail can also unintentionally bring you through someone's line of sight. So stick to the designated routes.
Read More: Minimizing Your Footprint
Best Hunting Spots For Your Four-Wheeler
Okay, now you're ready for your next off-road adventure. So now you want to know what's the best location to hunt in Ontario?
Here's our list of the top 4 spots for Ontario hunting.
Bruce County Rail Trail
More than 80km in length, this recently completed trail features a mix of soil and aggregate surfaces. This makes them ideal for beginner riders. And there are several scenic features to enjoy, including the views from Teeswater and Willow Creek Trestle Bridges.
If you're planning a multi-day trip with the family hunting in Ontario, this is a great spot. Just note that reservations are required for front and backcountry camping, so be sure to plan ahead.
Haliburton Highlands Trail System
If you're looking for something more advanced, you can't miss the Haliburton Highlands Trail System. With over 3,000km of ridable terrain, you could come back year after year and still discover new areas to explore.
With so much land to cover, make sure you go prepared. Most of these trails are not appropriate for riders below the intermediate level, with some routes requiring winches as standard equipment.
And several trails are not open to ATVs or have restricted use depending on the time of year. The Haliburton ATV Association(HATVA) strongly suggests taking a tour with a HATVA member before heading out on your own.
Algonquin West
The Algonquin West trail system has over 450km of trails with something for riders at every level. Just 3 hours from Toronto, this area is famous for its scenery and abundant wildlife, including moose, beavers, and black bears.
And these well-maintained trails are open all year round, for those eager for a snowy winter adventure.
Voyageur Multi-Use Trail System
With ATV-friendly laws in nearby towns that allow you to ride your quad or side-by-side on local roadways, it's easy to access the Voyageur system.
These trails boast some of Ontario's best off-roading, with some serious mudding for experts. But there are plenty of tamer trails for beginners too.
Not just great for ATVs, these trails are great for your next snowmobile or dirtbike adventure as well.
Things To Keep In Mind
Heading out into remote areas, there are a few things you should always have with you to ensure a safe trip.
Make sure you have the right equipment and proper clothing for the type of game you're hunting and the time of year you are heading out. Make sure to bring extra layers for the cold, and rain gear to keep you and your equipment dry.
Always have a map, compass, and GPS unit with you for navigation, and you can't rely on cell reception in many of these areas. And having a first-aid kit and basic wilderness first aid training may also save you from a bad situation in case of any accidents.
Last but not least, make sure that you're hunting the right game at the right time. Familiarize yourself with Ontario's hunting regulations so you can be sure you're hunting within the legal season and have all the necessary permits.
Read More: Must-Have ATV Hunting Accessories
Ready For Adventure?
Now that you know the best hunting spots, it's time to hit the trails.
Whether you're looking for a whole new rig, or just need to give your off-road vehicle a tune-up before heading out, at Dunfords of Havelock, we've got you covered.
We can set you up with the best ATV for hunting. See what we have in stock now, or give us a call to schedule a service.